Parks and Recreation Archives

#MACoCon Maximizing Program Open Space Resources

In an era of fiscal constraints, Recreation and Parks departments across Maryland are embracing creative solutions to continue enhancing services and park amenities. At the 2024 Winter MACoCon a group of expert panelists dove into this topic. One of the most impactful approaches has been forming strategic collaborations with state, county, and private partners. These partnerships not only ensure the growth of Maryland's park systems but also foster environmental conservation, public health, and community engagement.…

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December 19, 2024

County News / Economic Development / Parks and Recreation / Tourism / Winter Conference

Panel Talks Boosting Local Economies Through Tourism

Maryland Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) lead the way in showcasing all Maryland has to offer to our residents and visitors from other states. At MACo's Winter Conference, a distinguished panel highlighted the vital role of Maryland's DMOs in the state's economic growth. With a focus on innovative infrastructure projects and a strong commitment to enhancing visitor experiences, these organizations are helping elevate Maryland as a premier destination for residents and out-of-state travelers. The Honorable Jefferson…

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December 19, 2024

County News / Parks and Recreation / Winter Conference

Counties See Boost in Conservation and Recreation

Funding has been approved for the Department of Natural Resources conservation and recreation projects in Charles, Frederick, and Worcester counties. Last month, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved $900,000 in grants to enhance outdoor recreation and conserve natural landscapes in Charles, Frederick, Worcester County. These funds, administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will support critical programs that safeguard ecosystems and expand recreational opportunities in Maryland. Charles County The Rural Legacy Program…

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December 3, 2024

County News / Parks and Recreation

Queen Anne’s Park Ranger Honored With LGIT Life Saver Award

Queen Anne’s County has announced that Parks and Recreation Ranger, Paolo Palumbo has been awarded the Life Saver Award from the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) for heroic actions that saved a life earlier this year. While conducting routine duties at the Kent Narrows Public Boat Landing in Grasonville, Maryland, Ranger Palumbo observed a vehicle in the water near the boat ramp. The vehicle began to float, drawn toward the Kent Narrows channel by strong…

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November 27, 2024

County News / Parks and Recreation / Winter Conference

Parks & Partnerships: Making the Most of Recreation Resources

Local recreation and parks departments are leveraging partnerships to innovate, maximize resources, and transform public spaces into vibrant community hubs. Amid growing fiscal challenges, local recreation and parks departments are embracing partnerships to maximize resources and elevate services. By working with state, county, and local partners, they’re delivering innovative solutions that enhance park amenities and enrich communities. These efforts not only improve the quality of life for residents but also demonstrate the power of collective…

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November 25, 2024

Environment / Housing and Community Development / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning / Policy Deep Dive

Deep Dive: Land Preservation Policy in Maryland

As conversations abound on how to use Maryland’s limited land, we examine Maryland’s primary land preservation tools. For the past decade, Annapolis policymakers have been actively navigating transitioning away from carbon sources of energy and toward renewable sources, particularly solar. State leaders have pushed to retire fossil fuels and vastly expand renewables to support economic growth and environmental goals. Solar energy, a key technology in this transition, has received praise and attention, but also faces…

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November 13, 2024

County News / Parks and Recreation

Carroll County Recs and Parks Honored With Top Award

The Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks received the 2024 Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) Awards. The Friends of Krimgold Park (FoKP) have been recognized with the MRPA Showcase Community Organization Award, while the Memorial Garden at Westminster Veterans Memorial Park received the MRPA Showcase Landscape Site Award. FoKP, formed in 2018, is a dedicated group of volunteers committed to the stewardship and beautification of Krimgold Park, located in Woodbine, Md. Through their…

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November 8, 2024

County News / News You Can Use / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning

MD Planning: Nominations for 2025 Sustainable Growth Awards

The Maryland Department of Planning recently opened nominations for the 2025 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards. The Maryland Department of Planning and the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet invite all nominations for individuals, businesses, organizations, and local governments throughout Maryland that advance sustainable growth policies and practices. Nominations are considered for applications that support a balanced approach to land use and planning across at least three of the #SustainableGrowth Policy and Planning Principles: Land, Transportation, Housing, Economy, Equity, Resilience, Place, and Ecology. The online nomination form…

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November 7, 2024

County News / Housing and Community Development / Parks and Recreation

Baltimore County Prioritizes Recreation and Community With New Rosedale Center

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Department of Recreation and Parks officials joined elected officials, community members and gaming enthusiasts to open Baltimore County’s newest Recreation Activity Center (RAC) in Rosedale. Located alongside McCormick Elementary School, the new facility focuses on recreational, social and wellness opportunities for residents and provides dedicated esports programming for all ages. “We are proud of the ways we continue to expand recreational opportunities in every neighborhood, and this new center…

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October 23, 2024

County News / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Parks and Recreation

Conduit Street Podcast: Creating Inclusive Play Spaces for All

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Karrington Anderson, in her podcast debut, dive into the world of inclusive playgrounds and the vital role they play in fostering diversity, connection, and community.

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October 23, 2024